The annual TRAC symposium highlights emerging issue in higher education in prison. This year, we are focusing our discussion on what is needed for folks to successful transition from college in prison to college on campus. We have some excellent presenters!

10-15-11:15: The Importance of Hope (Derek K, a formerly incarcerated student, and Dr. Megan Pendley, LICSW, DSW)

11:15-12:15: Community Partners (RISE, MCC 180 RAP, and Nebraska Reentry)

12:15-12:45: Lunch

12:45-2:00 Keynote Speaker (Terrell Blount)

Terrell A. Blount (Newark, NJ) is a motivational speaker, mentor, and activist for both prison reform and civil rights. His main topics of discussion are postsecondary education opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, reentry for people leaving prison, police brutality, as well as his own experiences within the criminal justice system. Approaching the completion of a 6 year prison sentence in 2008, Terrell pursued his dream of graduating from Rutgers University—a goal he set for himself years before being released from prison—enrolling in classes while residing in a halfway house.  “I just kept telling myself: ‘If I can do five years in prison, I can do five years in college’”. And he did just that. 

Today, Terrell’s reach spans nationally, speaking publicly at various K-12 schools, colleges and universities, prisons, as well as workshops, symposiums, and conferences.  He currently serves as a Program Associate for The Vera Institute of Justice in New York, offering technical assistance to college programs operating in prisons as a part of a federally funded program. The Newark native holds a BA in Communication and a Masters in Public Administration, both from Rutgers University.